Is AC mold fix landlord's responsibility in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, but now I’ve found a patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind the unit. I’m in a rented apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle and my contract is up for renewal soon. Is fixing this the responsibility of my landlord, or do I have to handle it myself since it's related to the AC?
Posted by Arun Mishra
Asked on May 5, 2026 8:03 pm
Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, which includes the fixed AC unit and the walls. Since the mold resulted from an AC leak that has persisted for months, the repair of the unit and the wall remediation are almost certainly the landlord's financial and contractual responsibility.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the leak and the mold growth. The humid Dubai climate accelerates mold spread, so prompt action is key. Do not renew your contract until this is resolved and properly remediated, as the issue affects the property's habitability.

For a case of visible spread, a professional inspection is advised to assess the full extent, as mold can travel inside wall cavities. Remediation involves fixing the AC leak at its source, properly drying the area, and then removing the contaminated materials. Simply wiping the wall is insufficient and can aerosolize spores. A company with microbiological testing can verify the cleanup was successful through post-remediation testing.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 8, 2026 4:36 am